2019 Infiniti QX50 Unveiled

Infiniti’s QX50, formerly known as the EX35, was getting a little long in the tooth, so Nissan’s luxury division decided the best way to up its game was to create an entirely new QX50. Revealed at the Los Angeles Auto Show, the 2019 QX50 pushes the envelope in luxury and technology, as well as engine design and efficiency.

Of course, the first thing buyers will notice is the sleek exterior closely modeled after the QX50 Concept and QX Sport Inspiration. While the design is not as distinctive as the old version, it fits neatly into Infiniti’s current crossover family with an aggressive grille, a more aerodynamic body and notched D-pillar similar to that found on the QX60. Inside, the QX50 boast more room for both passengers and cargo, with a sliding rear seat that improves legroom to best-in-class. Cargo space goes from 31.6 cubic-feet to an impressive 37 cubic feet.

While customers may drool over the QX50’s stunning good looks, it’s what under the hood that’s the real newsmaker. A new 2.0-liter VC-Turbo is the world’s first combustion engine with variable compression technology. Infiniti claims the design combines the power of a gasoline turbo with the efficiency and low-end torque of a 4-cylinder diesel. The complex design adds another layer of linkage to the piston’s connecting rods, which in turn are controlled by an electric actuator. Compression ratios vary between a high of 14:1 and a low of 8:1, giving the engine the ability to take full advantage of the turbo’s power while still maximizing fuel economy.

The new VC-Turbo pumps out a healthy 268 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque and Infiniti expects the QX50 to attain a combined EPA city/highway fuel economy rating of 27 mpg, a 35 percent improvement over the previous model. All-wheel-drive versions give up just 1 mpg to their front-drive siblings.

The QX50’s technological genius is not limited to its engine. On the driver safety front, Infiniti’s ProPilot Assist takes the QX50 one step closer to autonomous driving by helping the driver control acceleration, steering and braking during single lane highway driving. The system lessens the hassle of stop-and-go driving as well as the numerous minute inputs a driver makes to the steering wheel.

Pricing and on-sale date for the 2019 Infiniti QX50 will be announced later this week.

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